Olean News
Posted by Mary Kay Worth
A Really Big Deal
Olean Rotary wanted to be a part of the major renovations to Union Street in Olean. On February 7, Olean Rotarian Mary Kay Worth presented to the aldermen and mayor of the City of Olean. The group unanimously supported the vision of bringing the Silent Policeman back to the corner of State and Union.
Pictured left in the photo is the original “Silent Policeman” who stood at the intersection between the 1920s and 40s, literally with directional arrows to neighboring communities. To the right of the original, is the 2017 Rotary version.
The 2017 version of the monument, drawn in the plans pictured to the right of the original, will be 8-foot-tall and capped off with an 18-inch bronze Rotary wheel as the head. Rotary language will be at the base with each of the four sides carved with the elements of our Rotary 4 Way Test: Is it the truth? Is it fair? Is it beneficial? Will it build good will and better friendships? The four sides of the masterpiece will begin with local destinations, but shift to the imagination quickly in each direction.
Months of planning are now rolling out to a very exciting and interactive experience for the city and surrounding communities. Isaiah Rashad II, a stone artist, originally from Buffalo, has been commissioned to carve ON SITE over the summer months, expecting to finish in early fall. Spectators will be able to watch him work. The city is excited! Olean Rotary is excited! This is going to be a big deal. Plan a trip to see our stone carver at work. Carving schedules will be posted.
Fund raising is in full swing. Save the date for Tuesday, May 23 for a Beer/Wine/Auction at the Bartlett Country Club in Olean.